Thursday, June 20, 2024
9:00 pm to 10:15 pm EDT

Wally Funk: Higher, Faster, Longer

Speaker: Loretta Hall
Author and Researcher
NSS Space Ambassador

Join the next NSS Space Forum for an inspiring presentation by NSS Space Ambassador Loretta Hall as she delves into the remarkable life of Wally Funk, a trailblazer in aviation and space exploration. 

Wally Funk has an amazing and inpsiring story! In 1961, thirteen highly skilled female pilots, later known as the Mercury 13, passed the same rigorous physical exams as the Mercury astronauts. Despite their qualifications, they were not given the opportunity to join NASA's human spaceflight program. Among these pioneering women was the youngest member, Wally Funk, who refused to accept this denial of her dreams.

For the next six decades, Wally Funk demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and determination, continuously preparing herself and seeking chances to reach space. Along the way, she shattered numerous barriers in aviation, becoming an symbol of creative perseverance and unyielding positivity.

Loretta Hall will narrate the compelling story of Wally Funk's ongoing pursuit of her spacefaring dreams, her achievements in aviation, and her ultimate triumph with her flight on Blue Origin’s New Shepard launch vehicle on July 20, 2021. This presentation promises to be an engaging and motivational session, celebrating the spirit of a woman who epitomizes the essence of reaching "higher, faster, longer." Don't miss this opportunity to learn about a true icon in aerospace history and be inspired by her journey of persistence and success. Register for the space forum today.

As a special bonus, the NSS has secured three copies of “Higher, Faster, Longer,” Wally Funk’s autobiography. These books will be signed by co-author Loretta Hall and will be given away as virtual door prizes.

More about Loretta Hall

Loretta Hall is the author of six nonfiction books about human involvement in space travel. She collaborated with Wally Funk to write the memoir of the youngest member of the Mercury 13, who completed her 60-year quest for spaceflight with Blue Origin in July 2021 at the age of 82. Loretta has been an NSS Space Ambassador since 2012 and has served on the Phase II Space Ambassadors Subcommittee since 2017.

Register today to reserve your seat and ask your questions.